Progressive rock facts for kids

Progressive rock is a special kind of rock music. It uses complex musical ideas and structures. This means that the speed (called tempo), the beat (called time signature), and the overall style can change a lot in just one song.

Most regular rock songs follow a simple pattern. They often have a verse, then a chorus, then another verse, and then the same chorus again. Progressive rock is much more complex than this. It often needs a lot of skill to play.

What is Progressive Rock?

Progressive rock is a type of rock music that tries to be more like classical music or jazz. It often has longer songs with many different parts. Think of it like a musical journey with many twists and turns.

How is Prog Rock Different?

Instead of simple verses and choruses, progressive rock songs can have:

• Many different musical themes.
• Long solos played by instruments.
• Changes in mood and feeling throughout the song.

Because these songs are so long and complex, they are not often played on regular pop music radio stations.

The History of Progressive Rock

Progressive rock first started in the late 1960s. It became very popular in the 1970s. This type of music is still enjoyed by many people today.

Where Did Prog Rock Begin?

Progressive rock began in England. From there, it spread across Europe. It is still most popular in Europe. However, there are also many famous progressive rock bands from the United States and Canada.

What Influenced Prog Rock?

This music style was influenced by classical music and jazz fusion. Over time, new types of progressive rock appeared. These include symphonic rock, art rock, math rock, and progressive metal.

Progressive rock artists wanted to create music that was not limited. They did not want to follow the simple rules of popular rock and pop music. They aimed to make rock music that "progressed" or moved forward. They wanted it to be as complex and serious as jazz and classical music.

Other Names for Progressive Rock

Progressive rock bands often get ideas from:

• Psychedelic rock
• Folk music
• Traditional music
• World music
• Jazz or jazz fusion

People sometimes call it "prog rock" for short. It is also sometimes called "Hobbit rock." This is because the lyrics often have themes from the Middle Ages or fantasy stories.

Famous Progressive Rock Bands

Many important progressive rock bands started in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Some of these include:

• The Moody Blues
• Jethro Tull
• Yes
• Genesis
• Pink Floyd
• Emerson, Lake & Palmer
• Rush
• Gentle Giant
• Happy The Man
• Van der Graaf Generator
• King Crimson

Ian Anderson, from Jethro Tull, was a very energetic progressive rock performer.

Key Features of Progressive Rock

It can be hard to fully describe progressive rock. This is because different progressive rock bands often sound quite different. However, there are some common things you will find in most progressive rock music.

Common Elements of Prog Rock

• Long, complex songs: Songs are often much longer than typical pop songs. They have many different parts.
• Unusual time signatures: The beat patterns can be tricky and change often.
• Unusual instruments: Bands might use instruments not common in rock, or use them in new ways.
• Improvisation: This means making up music while playing on stage. It adds a unique touch to live shows.

Concept Albums

Albums by progressive rock groups are often concept albums. In a concept album, all the songs are connected. They share a common theme, tell a story, or represent a bigger idea. The songs are usually arranged in a specific order to make sense of the story or concept.

Images for kids

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  The Beatles working in the studio with their producer George Martin, around 1965.

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  Pink Floyd performing The Dark Side of the Moon (1973). This was the best-selling album of the progressive rock era.

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  Emerson, Lake & Palmer were a very successful progressive rock band in the 1970s. Here they are performing in 1992.

• 

  Robert Fripp from King Crimson thought the prog movement had gone "tragically off course."

• 

  Talking Heads' Jerry Harrison (left) and David Byrne in the late 1970s.

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  Porcupine Tree performing in 2007.

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  Supertramp performing in 1979.

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  King Crimson performing at the Dour Festival in 2003.

See also

In Spanish: Rock progresivo para niños